Aussie murder film selected for Cannes

Snowtown has been selected to be shown at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

The ABC reports that the Justin Kurzel-directed movie, which tells the story of the murders of 12 people between 1992 and 1999 whose bodies were stuffed into plastic barrels, will be one of seven international films to be screened when the French festival begins next month.

Kurzel has said that the film "offers up a debate" and possible answers as to why the South Australia murders took place. He also revealed that he tried to treat the story with "respect" to give the victims and their family the "dignity" that they deserve.

At the Adelaide festival, the director said that the award "means an enormous amount" and thanked the audiences and event for their "incredible support".